Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."